Interestingly, the article does not mention that this app was funded by PBS, which jettisoned the show in a shift toward teaching reading mechanics instead of appreciation, but it does mention that Burton and his business partner saw value in a beloved brand with some juice left in it, and launched “Reading Rainbow 2.0.” Could it be that quality children’s programming people care about can indeed survive outside of government funding? On the other hand, if this app is federally funded, you’re on the chopping block right after Big Bird, buddy. Sing it with me: “I can defund anything! Friends to know and ways to grow…” Yeah, I know, I’m begging for an attack ad.

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